ASTM D3886-22

Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Inflated Diaphragm Apparatus)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The measurement of the resistance to abrasion of textile and other materials is very complex. The resistance to abrasion is affected by many factors, such as the inherent mechanical properties of the fibers; the dimensions of the fibers; the structure of the yarns; the construction of the fabrics; and the type, kind, and amount of finishing material added to the fibers, yarns, or fabric.  
5.2 The resistance to abrasion is also greatly affected by the conditions of the tests, such as the nature of abradant, variable action of the abradant over the area of specimen abraded, the tension of the specimen, the pressure between the specimen and abradant, and the dimensional changes in the specimens.  
5.3 Abrasion tests are all subject to variation due to changes in the abradant during specific tests. The abradant must accordingly be discarded at frequent intervals or checked periodically against a standard. With disposable abradants, the abradant is used only once or discarded after limited use. With permanent abradants that use hardened metal or equivalent surfaces, it is assumed that the abradant will not change appreciably in a specific series of tests. Similar abradants used in different laboratories will not change at the same rate, due to differences in usage. Permanent abradants may also change due to pick up of finishing or other material from test fabrics and must accordingly be cleaned at frequent intervals. The measurement of the relative amount of abrasion may also be affected by the method of evaluation and may be influenced by the judgment of the operator.  
5.4 The resistance of textile materials to abrasion as measured on a testing machine in the laboratory is generally only one of several factors contributing to wear performance or durability as experienced in the actual use of the material. While “abrasion resistance” (often stated in terms of the number of cycles on a specified machine, using a specified technique to produce a specified degree o...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method2 covers the determination of the resistance to abrasion of woven and knitted textile fabrics, both conditioned and wet, using the inflated diaphragm tester. This procedure is not applicable to floor coverings.  
Note 1: Other procedures for measuring the abrasion resistance of textile fabrics are given in Test Methods D3884, D3885, D1175 and AATCC Test Method 93.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard; the values in English units are provided as information only and are not exact equivalents.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2022
• ICS: 59.080.30 - Textile fabrics
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.60 - Fabric Physical Test Methods B

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4850-13(2017) - Standard Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test Methods
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3885-07a(2015) - Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4850-13e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4850-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3884-09(2013)e1 - Standard Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3884-09(2013) - Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4850-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012

Overview

ASTM D3886-22: Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Inflated Diaphragm Apparatus) defines a laboratory procedure for assessing the abrasion resistance of woven and knitted textile fabrics. By utilizing the inflated diaphragm tester, this method offers a repeatable way to measure how well textiles resist surface wear under controlled conditions. The results help manufacturers and quality professionals evaluate fabric durability for various end-use applications.

Abrasion resistance is a critical factor in determining textile performance and longevity. This test method accounts for multiple variables, including fiber properties, fabric construction, and finishing treatments, offering valuable insight for material selection and quality control.

Key Topics

• Abrasion Resistance Factors: The method recognizes that abrasion resistance depends on intrinsic properties (fiber type, yarn structure, fabric weave/knit), as well as test-specific conditions such as the type and condition of the abradant, specimen tension, and environmental factors.
• Testing Scope: Designed for woven and knitted fabrics, both in conditioned (dry) and wet states, the method is not applicable to floor coverings.
• Inflated Diaphragm Tester: This apparatus clamps fabric specimens over a rubber diaphragm, controls air pressure beneath, and subjects the fabric to rubbing against a standard abradant under defined loads and motions.
• Evaluation Methods: Endpoints are determined either by the number of abrasion cycles required to create a hole in the fabric or by visually assessing changes in texture, color, and fabric structure after a defined number of cycles.
• Reporting: Test reports include abradant type, air pressure, abradant load, abrasion directionality, cycles to failure, visual assessment outcomes, and any deviations from standard procedures.

Applications

The ASTM D3886-22 test method is widely used in the textile industry for:

• Quality Control: Ensuring textile fabrics meet specified performance criteria for abrasion resistance prior to product release.
• Comparative Analysis: Benchmarking and comparing fabric durability between product lines or before and after specific finishing treatments.
• Research and Development: Guiding the formulation or selection of fiber blends, yarns, and fabric constructions for improved wear performance, especially for apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles.
• Material Specification: Assisting manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers in referencing a standardized test in product specifications and purchase agreements.
• Performance Prediction: While laboratory abrasion resistance is not the only indicator of real-world durability, it provides meaningful comparative data where large differences exist between textiles.

Note: This method is not recommended as a sole basis for commercial acceptance testing, due to variability in results between laboratories. Comparative testing may be needed in cases of dispute.

Related Standards

The following standards offer alternative or complementary methods for measuring fabric abrasion resistance:

• ASTM D3884: Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method)
• ASTM D3885: Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method)
• AATCC Test Method 93: Abrasion Resistance of Fabrics: Accelerator Method
• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D1776: Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• ASTM D4850: Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test Methods

By adhering to ASTM D3886-22, organizations can consistently assess the abrasion resistance of textiles, support product development, and ensure the performance of fabrics in their intended end use. This method, alongside other referenced industry standards, ensures comprehensive evaluation within the textile supply chain.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D3886 −22
Standard Test Method for
Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Inflated Diaphragm
Apparatus)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3886; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Replaced by D 4157, D 4158 (Withdrawn 1981)
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the
D2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
resistance to abrasion of woven and knitted textile fabrics, both
Method that Produces Normally Distributed Data (With-
conditioned and wet, using the inflated diaphragm tester. This
drawn 2008)
procedure is not applicable to floor coverings.
D2906 Practice for Statements on Precision and Bias for
NOTE 1—Other procedures for measuring the abrasion resistance of Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
textile fabrics are given in Test Methods D3884, D3885, D1175 and
D3884 Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics
AATCC Test Method 93.
(Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method)
D3885 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method)
standard; the values in English units are provided as informa-
D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test
tion only and are not exact equivalents.
Methods
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.2 AATCC Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Test Method 93 Abrasion Resistance of Fabrics:Accelerator
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1 For all terminology related to D13.60, Fabric Test
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Methods, Specific, see Terminology D4850.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2 Thefollowingtermisrelevanttothisstandard:abrasion.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.3 FordefinitionsofallothertextiletermsseeTerminology
D123.
2. Referenced Documents
3 4. Summary of Test Method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles 4.1 A specimen is abraded by rubbing either unidirection-
D1175 Method of Test for Abrasion Resistance of Textile
ally or multidirectionally against an abradant having specified
Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder and Uniform Abrasion); surface characteristics. A specimen is held in a fixed position
and supported by an inflated rubber diaphragm which is held
under constant pressure. A specimen is abraded by rubbing
eitherunidirectionallyormultidirectionallyagainstanabradant
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textiles
having specified surface characteristics. The resistance to
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.60 on Fabric Test Methods,
Specific.
abrasion is determined using Option 1, the number of cycles to
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally
wear a hole in the specimen, or Option 2, visual assessment of
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3886 – 99 (2015).
the specimen surface after a specified number of cycles.
DOI: 10.1520/D3886-22.
This test method is based upon the development described by R. G. Stoll, in
“Improved MultipurposeAbrasion Test and ItsApplication for the Wear Resistance
of Textiles,” Textile Research Journal, July 1949, p. 394.
3 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O.
the ASTM website. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3886−22
5. Significance and Use variability in results obtained by different operators and in
different laboratories; however, they represent the test methods
5.1 The measurement of the resistance to abrasion of textile
now most widely in use.
and other materials is very complex.The resistance to abrasion
is affected by many factors, such as the inherent mechanical
5.7 Because there is a definite need for measuring the
properties of the fibers; the dimensions of the fibers; the relative resistance to abrasion, standardized test methods are
structure of the yarns; the construction of the fabrics; and the
needed and useful and may clarify the problem and lessen the
type,kind,andamountoffinishingmaterialaddedtothefibers, confusion.
yarns, or fabric.
5.8 Because of the conditions mentioned above, technicians
5.2 The resistance to abrasion is also greatly affected by the
frequently fail to get good agreement between results obtained
conditions of the tests, such as the nature of abradant, variable
onthesametypeoftestinginstrumentbothwithinandbetween
action of the abradant over the area of specimen abraded, the
laboratories, and the precision of these test methods is uncer-
tension of the specimen, the pressure between the specimen
tain.
and abradant, and the dimensional changes in the specimens.
5.9 Test Method D3886 is not recommended for acceptance
5.3 Abrasion tests are all subject to variation due to changes
testing of commercial shipment because of the poor between-
in the abradant during specific tests. The abradant must
laboratory precision.
accordingly be discarded at frequent intervals or checked
5.9.1 In cases of a dispute arising from differences in
periodically against a standard. With disposable abradants, the
reported test results when using this test method for acceptance
abradant is used only once or discarded after limited use. With
testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the sup-
permanent abradants that use hardened metal or equivalent
plier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is
surfaces, it is assumed that the abradant will not change
a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statis-
appreciably in a specific series of tests. Similar abradants used
tical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias.
in different laboratories will not change at the same rate, due to
As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test
differencesinusage.Permanentabradantsmayalsochangedue
specimens which are as homogeneous as possible and which
to pick up of finishing or other material from test fabrics and
are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test
must accordingly be cleaned at frequent intervals. The mea-
specimens should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers
surement of the relative amount of abrasion may also be
to each laboratory for testing.The average results from the two
affected by the method of evaluation and may be influenced by
laboratories should be compared using appropriate statistical
the judgment of the operator.
analysis for unpaired data and an acceptable probability level
chosen by the two parties before the testing begins. If a bias is
5.4 The resistance of textile materials to abrasion as mea-
found, either its cause must be found and corrected or the
sured on a testing machine in the laboratory is generally only
purchaser and the supplier must agree to interpret future test
one of several factors contributing to wear performance or
results in the light of the known bias.
durability as experienced in the actual use of the material.
While “abrasion resistance” (often stated in terms of the
6. Apparatus
number of cycles on a specified machine, using a specified
6.1 Inflated Diaphragm Abrasion Tester , shown in Fig. 1
technique to produce a specified degree or amount of abrasion)
and “durability” (defined as the ability to withstand deteriora- and Fig. 2 with the following essential parts:
6.1.1 Surface Abrasion Head—The specimen is mounted in
tion or wearing out in use, including the effects of abrasion) are
a circular clamp over a rubber diaphragm by means of a
frequently related, the relationship varies with different end
clamping ring and a tightening collar. The circular opening of
uses, and different factors may be necessary in any calculation
the clamping ring is 94.0 mm 6 1.3 mm (3.70 in. 6 0.05 in.)
of predicted durability from specific abrasion data. Laboratory
in diameter and that of the collar 95.3 mm (3.75 in.) or more.
tests may be reliable as an indication of relative end-use
The height from the surface of the clamped-in specimen to the
performance in cases where the difference in abrasion resis-
upper edge of the tightening collar shall not exceed 9.5 mm ( ⁄8
tance of various materials is large, but they should not be relied
in.). The clamping area of the body of the clamp and the ring
upon where differences in laboratory test findings are small. In
should have gripping surfaces to prevent slipping of the
general, they should not be relied upon for prediction of actual
specimen and leakage of air pressure during the test. Means
wear-life in specific end uses unless there are data showing the
specific relationship between laboratory abrasion tests and shouldbeprovidedforsupplyingairpressuretothebodyofthe
clamp so that the pressure under the diaphragm can be
actual wear in the intended end-use.
controlled between 0 and 41 kPa (0 and 6 psi) with an accuracy
5.5 These general observations apply to all types of fabrics,
of 65 % of range.
including woven, nonwoven, and knit apparel fabrics, house-
6.1.2 Diaphragm—The rubber diaphragm should be
hold fabrics, industrial fabrics, and floor coverings. It is not
1.40 mm 6 0.25 mm (0.055 in. 6 0.010 in.) in thickness. A
surprising, therefore, to find that there are many different types
metallic contact pin 3.2 mm ( ⁄8 in.) in diameter is sealed into
of abrasion testing machines, abradants, testing conditions,
the center of the diaphragm flush with the diaphragm surface.
testing procedures, methods of evaluation of abrasion resis-
Provision should be made for a flexible electrical connection
tance and interpretation of results.
5.6 All the test methods and instruments so far developed
for measuring abrasion resistance may show a high degree of Apparatus is available commercially.
D3886−22
FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of Inflated Diaphragm Abrasion Tester
FIG. 2 One Type of Commercial Inflated Diaphragm Abrasion Tester
from this contact pin to the ground of the machine. The strain 6.1.3 Driving Mechanism—The design of the driving
distribution on the diaphragm must be uniform so that when
mechanism is such that the circular clamp makes a reciprocal
inflated without the specimen, it assumes the shape of a section
motionof115 615doublestrokesperminuteof25 mm(1-in.)
of a sphere. Pressure can be controlled from 0 to 41 kPa (0 to
stroke length. Provision shall be made for rotation of the clamp
6 psi).
D3886−22
in addition to the reciprocating motion so that one revolution sive weighings made at intervals of not less than 2 h does not
can be completed in 100 6 10 double strokes. exceed 0.1 % of the mass of the specimen.
6.1.4 Balance Head and Abradant Plate— The abradant is
mounted upon a plate, which is rigidly supported by a 9. Procedure
double-lever assembly to provide for free movement in a
9.1 Test the specimen in the standard atmosphere for testing
direction perpendicular to the plane of the reciprocating
textiles, which is 70 °F 6 2 °F (21 °C 6 1 °C) and 65 % 6
specimen clamp. The abradant plate assembly should be well
2 % relative humidity.
balanced to maintain a vertical pressure equivalent to a mass of
9.2 Place the specimen over the rubber diaphragm in a
0 kg to 2.2 kg (0 lb to 5 lb) by means of dead weight
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3886 − 99 (Reapproved 2015) D3886 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Inflated Diaphragm
Apparatus)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3886; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance to abrasion of woven and knitted textile fabrics, both conditioned
and wet, using the inflated diaphragm tester. This procedure is not applicable to floor coverings.
NOTE 1—Other procedures for measuring the abrasion resistance of textile fabrics are given in Test Methods D3884, D3885, D1175 and AATCC Test
Method 93.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard; the values in English units are provided as information only and
are not exact equivalents.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D1175 Method of Test for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder and Uniform Abrasion); Replaced by
D 4157, D 4158 (Withdrawn 1981)
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
D2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test Method that Produces Normally Distributed Data (Withdrawn 2008)
D2906 Practice for Statements on Precision and Bias for Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
D3884 Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method)
D3885 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method)
D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test Methods
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.60 on Fabric Test Methods, Specific.
Current edition approved July 1, 2015Feb. 1, 2022. Published September 2015March 2022. Originally approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
ε1
D3886 – 99 (2015).(2011) . DOI: 10.1520/D3886-99R15.10.1520/D3886-22.
This test method is based upon the development described by R. G. Stoll, in “Improved Multipurpose Abrasion Test and Its Application for the Wear Resistance of
Textiles,” Textile Research Journal , July 1949, p. 394.This test method is based upon the development described by R. G. Stoll, in “Improved Multipurpose Abrasion Test
and Its Application for the Wear Resistance of Textiles,” Textile Research Journal, July 1949, p. 394.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3886 − 22
2.2 AATCC Standard:
Test Method 93 Abrasion Resistance of Fabrics: Accelerator Method
3. Terminology
3.1 For all terminology related to D13.60, Fabric Test Methods, Specific, see Terminology D4850.
3.2 The following term is relevant to this standard: abrasion.
3.3 For definitions of all other textile terms see Terminology D123.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A specimen is abraded by rubbing either unidirectionally or multidirectionally against an abradant having specified surface
characteristics. A specimen is held in a fixed position and supported by an inflated rubber diaphragm which is held under constant
pressure. A specimen is abraded by rubbing either unidirectionally or multidirectionally against an abradant having specified
surface characteristics. The resistance to abrasion is determined using Option 1, the number of cycles to wear a hole in the
specimen, or Option 2, visual assessment of the specimen surface after a specified number of cycles.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The measurement of the resistance to abrasion of textile and other materials is very complex. The resistance to abrasion is
affected by many factors, such as the inherent mechanical properties of the fibers; the dimensions of the fibers; the structure of the
yarns; the construction of the fabrics; and the type, kind, and amount of finishing material added to the fibers, yarns, or fabric.
5.2 The resistance to abrasion is also greatly affected by the conditions of the tests, such as the nature of abradant, variable action
of the abradant over the area of specimen abraded, the tension of the specimen, the pressure between the specimen and abradant,
and the dimensional changes in the specimens.
5.3 Abrasion tests are all subject to variation due to changes in the abradant during specific tests. The abradant must accordingly
be discarded at frequent intervals or checked periodically against a standard. With disposable abradants, the abradant is used only
once or discarded after limited use. With permanent abradants that use hardened metal or equivalent surfaces, it is assumed that
the abradant will not change appreciably in a specific series of tests. Similar abradants used in different laboratories will not change
at the same rate, due to differences in usage. Permanent abradants may also change due to pick up of finishing or other material
from test fabrics and must accordingly be cleaned at frequent intervals. The measurement of the relative amount of abrasion may
also be affected by the method of evaluation and may be influenced by the judgment of the operator.
5.4 The resistance of textile materials to abrasion as measured on a testing machine in the laboratory is generally only one of
several factors contributing to wear performance or durability as experienced in the actual use of the material. While “abrasion
resistance” (often stated in terms of the number of cycles on a specified machine, using a specified technique to produce a specified
degree or amount of abrasion) and “durability” (defined as the ability to withstand deterioration or wearing out in use, including
the effects of abrasion) are frequently related, the relationship varies with different end uses, and different factors may be necessary
in any calculation of predicted durability from specific abrasion data. Laboratory tests may be reliable as an indication of relative
end-use performance in cases where the difference in abrasion resistance of various materials is large, but they should not be relied
upon where differences in laboratory test findings are small. In general, they should not be relied upon for prediction of actual
wear-life in specific end uses unless there are data showing the specific relationship between laboratory abrasion tests and actual
wear in the intended end-use.
5.5 These general observations apply to all types of fabrics, including woven, nonwoven, and knit apparel fabrics, household
fabrics, industrial fabrics, and floor coverings. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that there are many different types of abrasion
testing machines, abradants, testing conditions, testing procedures, methods of evaluation of abrasion resistance and interpretation
of results.
Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
D3886 − 22
5.6 All the test methods and instruments so far developed for measuring abrasion resistance may show a high degree of variability
in results obtained by different operators and in different laboratories; however, they represent the test methods now most widely
in use.
5.7 Because there is a definite need for measuring the relative resistance to abrasion, standardized test methods are needed and
useful and may clarify the problem and lessen the confusion.
5.8 Because of the conditions mentioned above, technicians frequently fail to get good agreement between results obtained on the
same type of testing instrument both within and between laboratories, and the precision of these test methods is uncertain.
5.9 Test Method D3886 is not recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipment because of the poor between-
laboratory precision.
5.9.1 In cases of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using this test method for acceptance testing of
commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical bias
between their laboratories. Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias. As a minimum, the two
parties should take a group of test specimens which are as homogeneous as possible and which are from a lot of material of the
type in question. The test specimens should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average
results from the two laboratories should be compared using appropriate statistical analysis for unpaired data and an acceptable
probability level chosen by the two parties before the testing begins. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected
or the purchaser and the supplier must agree to interpret future test results in the light of the known bias.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Inflated Diaphragm Abrasion Tester , shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with the following essential parts:
6.1.1 Surface Abrasion Head—The specimen is mounted in a circular clamp over a rubber diaphragm by means of a clamping ring
and a tightening collar. The circular opening of the clamping ring is 94.0 6 1.3 mm (3.70 6 0.05 in.) 94.0 mm 6 1.3 mm (3.70 in.
6 0.05 in.) in diameter and that of the collar 95.3 mm (3.75 in.) or more. The height from the surface of the clamped-in specimen
to the upper edge of the tightening collar shall not exceed 9.5 mm ( ⁄8 in.). The clamping area of the body of the clamp and the
ring should have gripping surfaces to prevent slipping of the specimen and leakage of air pressure during the test. Means should
FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of Inflated Diaphragm Abrasion Tester
Apparatus is available commercially.
D3886 − 22
FIG. 2 One Type of Commercial Inflated Diaphragm Abrasion Tester
be provided for supplying air pressure to the body of the clamp so that the pressure under the diaphragm can be controlled between
0 and 41 kPa (0 and 6 psi) with an accuracy of 65 % of range.
6.1.2 Diaphragm—The rubber diaphragm should be 1.401.40 mm 6 0.25 mm (0.055(0.055 in. 6 0.010 in.) in thickness. A
metallic contact pin 3.2 mm ( ⁄8 in.) in diameter is sealed into the center of the diaphragm flush with the diaphragm surface.
Provision should be made for a flexible electrical connection from this contact pin to the ground of the machine. The strain
distribution on the diaphragm must be uniform so that when inflated without the specimen, it assumes the shape of a section of
a sphere. Pressure can be controlled from 00 to 41 kPa (0 to 6 psi).
6.1.3 Driving Mechanism—The design of the driving mechanism is such that the circular clamp makes a reciprocal motion of 115
6 15 double strokes per minute of 25-mm25 mm (1-in.) stroke length. Provision shall be made for rotation of the clamp in addition
to the reciprocating motion so that one revolution can be completed in 100 6 10 double strokes.
6.1.4 Balance Head and Abradant Plate— The abradant is mounted upon a plate, which is rigidly supported by a double-lever
assembly to provide for free movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the reciprocating specimen clamp. The abradant
plate assembly should be well balanced to maintain a vertical pressure equivalent to a mass of 00 kg to 2.2 kg (0(0 lb to 5 lb) by
means of dead weights. Provision should be made to mount different abradants such as abrasive paper, fabrics, etc., on this plate,
and to stretch them into an even position. An electrically insulated contact pin, adjustable to the thickness of the abradan
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